Safe storage of firearms is not only the law in Minnesota, but it is a matter of public safety.
The safe storage of firearms is the responsibility of all gun owners. Not only is it the law in Minnesota, but it is a matter of public safety. Educating gun owners on the need to take such precautions has taken on a renewed sense of purpose with the recent surge in firearm sales across the state. There are also people purchasing firearms for the first time that are seemingly unaware of the obligations that come with gun ownership. This includes making sure firearms are not accessible to children, criminals and emotionally distraught individuals.
To bring more awareness to this public safety issue, the South Lake Minnetonka Police Department has undertaken an initiative entitled, Operation Lock and Unload. The focus is on the safe storage of firearms, whether at home or some other location. Simply hiding a gun without taking additional precautions is not a safe practice. Proper safeguards include unloading the firearm, using a trigger or cable lock and placing the gun in a lock box or safe. Ammunition should be securely stored away from the firearm.
To learn more about firearm safety go to Project ChildSafe www.projectchildsafe.org. The South Lake Minnetonka Police Department offers free cable locks that will secure most types of guns. Please join this effort to prevent a needless tragedy from occurring due to the negligent storage of a firearm.
- Operation Lock and Unload Flyer
- Sun Sailor Article – Operation Lock and Unload (03-26-2013)
- MN Statute 609.666 – Negligent Storage of Firearms
Disposal Program for Unwanted Guns
(We can no longer take Ammunition)
In March 2013, the South Lake Minnetonka Police Department unveiled the attached public awareness campaign entitled, “Operation Lock and Unload.” This campaign focuses on the safe storage of firearms, whether at home or some other location.
As part of this ongoing effort, the South Lake Minnetonka Police Department has taken the next step of providing a safe and easy way for people within the community to dispose of unwanted firearms. Having such items lying around the house can pose a real safety concern, especially if there are young children or teens present. Many times the only reason people do not discard these unwanted items is because they are unsure how to properly dispose of them. The South Lake Minnetonka Police Department is now offering a no-hassle way to do just that by following the simple three step process outlined below:
- Place a call to the South Lake Minnetonka Police Department. Administrative Number – (952) 474-3261 Dispatch Number – (952) 258-5321
- Specify that you would like a police officer to contact you about the disposal of an unwanted firearm.
- A police officer will call you back and make a determination on whether to have an officer pick up the unwanted firearm or have you bring the item(s) to the police station.
The bottom line is if you have a gun you don’t want, get rid of it! Is it worth taking the risk when there is now a safe and easy way to dispose of them? If you have questions about this program being offered by the South Lake Minnetonka Police Department, please call (952) 474-3261. We all need to do our part to make the community a safer place to live, work and have fun.